Julie Arduini's Blog, page 55

Hold Your Peace by Sara L. Foust

Hold
Your Peace

Sara
L. Foust

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:14 KJV

We are all most
likely familiar with the phrase uttered at weddings, “Speak now or forever hold
your peace.” But holding my peace isn’t something I’ve ever really thought
about outside of that one particular setting. Until now. I was recently in a
heated argument with someone I felt had said something disrespectful to me. My
anger instantly spiked and I, at least the first time, politely requested a
change of his tone. But, because I was already angry, when he argued and wasn’t
willing to see my side at all, I launched into a heated—and
inappropriate—argument. Both our tempers got the better of us and the
conversation spiraled very quickly. Afterward I was left feeling disappointed
in and frustrated with myself. I know that arguing with this person gets me
nowhere. Nothing I say can change his mind. But I did it anyway and felt worse
after the fact. Why is it that I can never seem to remember to hold my peace?

I think it is
because I often, in the heat of the moment, forget the first half of this
scripture. In our society, we are raised from an early age to defend ourselves
and others against injustices. I believe it is true we should help others and
that if there is an injustice we can help remedy, in a lawful, prayerful way,
we should. Lawyers, judges, police officers, and others in this line of work do
it every day. However, in my everyday life, I’m not sure God means for me to
fight every single injustice in such an intense way. I believe He would,
instead, like for me to ask which battles I need to stand against and which I
should allow Him to stand against—without me.

It is so hard, when emotions are high and tempers are flared, to take a step back and ask God for guidance. I have to learn to do it more often and to do it better. There is no point in me fighting something God already has His hand on. There is no reason for me to battle to the point of tears and exhaustion when God is already fighting. It’s like comparing a kitten fighting against a wolf and a lion fighting against that same wolf. It’s pretty obvious who will win, isn’t it?

If I have suffered an injustice, a true injustice that has brought me or someone else harm, God cares about that. He cares that I need help to muddle through to victory and peace of mind. Though His ultimate victory may not look like what I envision, I can rest assured He is fighting—with all His power and might—to help me. Knowing that, and truly believing it, allows me to hold my peace (my tongue) while maintaining the peace inside that only He can give. I am thankful I don’t have to fight my battles alone. And even more thankful that sometimes I don’t have to fight at all, because He already is, and He certainly doesn’t need my help.

About Rarity Mountain by Sara L. Foust

On the surface, SIMON FINCUFF and FERN STRONGBOW have nothing in common. Simon has served his sentence, but his past conviction still haunts him. Fern is a veterinarian and grew up on an off-the-grid homestead. The one thing they share? Each has a dark secret they would do almost anything to protect.

When their current careers are yanked away, they are left scrambling to pick up the pieces. A reality television show falls into their paths, offering a life-changing opportunity that tests their resolve and their faith.

These two unlikely partners must battle to survive for thirty days in the untouched wilderness of Rarity Mountain with only a handful of survival items and a director who is out for drama, no matter the cost. With their lives and their carefully guarded skeletons on the line, they will discover how far they are willing to go to win the million-dollar prize for Survival Tennessee.

Buy Links:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945094737

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130715034?ean=9781945094743

Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author and homeschooling mother of five who writes surrounded by the beauty of East Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is the author of the Love, Hope, and Faith Series, which includes Callum’s Compass (2017), Camp Hope (2018), and Rarity Mountain (March 2019).  She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone and a novella, Of Walls (November 2018). Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit  www.saralfoust.com . 

Website: www.saralfoust.comNewsletter sign
up: http://eepurl.com/cfqP5HEmail: sfoust25@hotmail.comFacebook:  
https://www.facebook.com/SaraLFoust/Twitter: 
https://twitter.com/Sfoust25Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sfoust25/Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SaraFoustSaraLFoustAmazon:
https://www.amazon.com/author/saralfoust

Focus on the Family: Alive from New York May 4th

In light of all of the things in the news lately, Focus on the Family wanted to host a big event to celebrate life and to help the world understand the value of children. This event will be live in Times Square and will include the live broadcast of a 4D ultrasound. Your prayer is also appreciated for this event.

Stay tuned for updates!

The Jealous Mom

Once the motherhood journey begins, there are so many labels.

Nursing Mom. Bottle feeding Mother.

Working Mom. Work-from-Home Mother. Stay-at-Home (but people, she’s working, trust me!) Mom.

Tired Mom. Mad Mom.

I’ve been many of these, more than once.

Lately, deep down, I’ve discovered another part of my motherhood.

I’m jealous.

Sure, I envied the moms who could eat a banquet and lose weight, or the moms who threw parties and never seemed anxious like I tend to get. This time around, I’m not so much jealous of the other moms. I’m jealous for my kid.

There has been so much history with her that my husband and I discussed that the upcoming Chrissy Metz movie, Breakthrough, is so close to home for us that we don’t think we can watch it because it’s too close. Too much. She has overcome so much and God has used her time and time again. It has been amazing.

She is the age where she could pursue her permit.

And we agree the time isn’t now.

But it is now for her friends.

It’s hard to hear the parents talk of the accomplishment, and even the mistakes. It’s frustrating because our circumstances are cognitive and physical, but not visible. She looks like she should be out there on the highways.

But she isn’t.

I’m not jealous because I’m tired of driving her around, I actually enjoy driving and picking up her friends. Their laughter brings me joy and their music beats the Barney days by miles. I grieve because it’s another thing she has to fight against and overcome. And there’s been so much already.

Will she ever drive? We think so, and that brings new emotion. Guilt. Because I know not every special situation a family has is like ours. Their medical issues are daily and sometimes critical. So I hang between the balance of jealous and guilty.

Not a healthy place to be.

Although there’s one thing she isn’t doing right now, there is much that she is. Student Council. Participating in a skit with her youth group. Applying for a ministry within youth group. With all that was presented to us when she was a baby, there were professionals who didn’t think she’d live. When she did, they prepared us for mental retardation. When she started mainstream school, it was on an IEP. Now she’s in high school without the IEP, just needing some extra helps for health.

I’m not a perfect mom, that’s a label that will fit me. And while I’m not proud to confess I’m jealous, I can say this, I’m transparent.

A healthier place to be.

The Late Night Run That Spoke Volumes

It was a Friday night where I had places to be, but not quite yet. I didn’t have a ton of time, so I was mapping out where I needed to go versus the time I had to accomplish it. The store in question wasn’t open much longer. Sure, if I drove NASCAR-style, I’d be fine. But there were variables I couldn’t control.

Once I heard from the variable, also known as a teen who we were providing transportation to, I had a limited window, and i went for it.

I reached the pharmacy twenty minutes before closing.

I scoured the shelves for my beloved products.

I found them, ran to the counter, paid, and felt glorious that I achieved my goal.

It was in the parking lot it dawned on me.

I used to run covert missions to Walgreens for chocolate like this.

Drug addicts probably feel this good about their score.

Me?

I just found two products I’d naively ran out of for my curly hair.

In the interim, I’d ran to closer pharmacies and tried both higher end and budget gels and mousses. I even tried a “hack” that sounded so weird, but curly girls swore it took away the frizz, so yep, grabbed that. Then day-after-day I watched my hair fail and fail miserably.

Was it the products? Was it the application? Was it all the medicine I was on for my bronchitis/sinus infection? Why weren’t my curls the juicy clumps I was finally starting to get before my products ran out?

It really did a number on my confidence.

By the fifth day, I was online researching how to get these products STAT. One wasn’t even available on Amazon, at least not for a realistic price. The mousse was, so I ordered. It wasn’t Prime, so it took longer to arrive.

I couldn’t take it anymore.

The Walgreens outside of Youngstown, twenty minutes away from the Walgreens I visit, carried both the serum and the mousse. Frizz Buster by Fantasia and Pantene Curl Defining Mousse. If I recall, FB is not officially “CurlyGirl” approved, but the other gels and hacks I used that were left my hair limp and frizzy. Same with the other mousses.

So now I’m back. Just when I think I’ve mastered a technique, I learn something new from the CG World (instagram and Reddit) or my hair just decides nope. I’m trying to decide if I keep trying wet plopping or shirt plopping. Do I keep roping or just go with scrunch out the crunch? There’s so much vocabulary in the Curly World, but I confess, I still spend less time than I did straightening, and my hair overall is healthier.

But, wow. I had no idea how deep the curly obsession was until I made that late night run to the pharmacy.

Fiction Finder April 2019 Releases

April 2019 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Children’s:

The Heart Changer by Jarm Del Boccio — Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is preparing her for a greater mission — far beyond what she could imagine. (Children’s from Ambassador International)

Contemporary Romance:

Faith and Hope by Amy R. Anguish — Younger sister Hope has lost her job, her car, and her boyfriend all in one day. Her well-laid plans for life have gone sideways, as has her hope in God. Older sister Faith is finally getting her dream-come-true after years of struggles and prayers. But when her mom talks her into letting Hope move in for the summer, will the stress turn her dream into a nightmare? Is her faith in God strong enough to handle everything? For two sisters who haven’t gotten along in years, this summer together could be a disaster…or it could lead them to a closer relationship with each other and God. Can they overcome all life is throwing at them? Or is this going to destroy their relationship for good? (Contemporary Romance from Mantle Rock Publishing)

Match Made in Heaven by Julie Arduini — Beth Prescott wants to make a difference with the senior citizens she serves as a volunteer coordinator, but their matchmaking efforts leave her guarded. She’s experienced too much pain to make that leap again. Dean Kellerman returns to the Finger Lakes area to help his grandfather and heal his own broken heart. He’s recommitted his life to Christ, and doesn’t want any distractions.

When his grandfather needs assistance with a senior program, it places Dean right in Beth’s path. Can these two surrender their pasts to Christ and have faith in each other and their future? (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)

An Amish Reunion by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kathleen Irvin, and Beth Wiseman — Their True Home by Amy Clipston: Marlene Bawell’s new friendship with an old crush is threatened when change once again disrupts the home she’s tried to make in Bird-in-Hand. A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman: Separated after tragic grief, husband and wife Ruth and Gideon Beiler are reunited when they accept an invitation to a family reunion they each believe the other has declined. A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller: Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else? Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin: Abandoned by her father, penitent single mother Hannah Kauffman finds support in her old friend Phillip, who has loved her for years, but fears risking another mistake by opening herself up to love. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Her New Amish Family by Carrie Lighte — Widower Seth Helmuth needs a mother for his sons, but for now, hiring the Englischer next door as their nanny will have to do. Trina Smith plans to stay in Amish country only long enough to claim her inheritance and sell her grandfather’s house. But as she falls for Seth, his twin boys and Amish life, will she inherit a home and a family? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Beauty for Ashes by Kathleen Neely — Well-known novelist Nathan Drummond revisits painful memories when family responsibilities force him to return to his home town. Although he’d intended the living situation to be temporary, Nathan didn’t count on falling in love. As guilty memories threaten a return of panic attacks, Nathan begins to write a novel paralleling the tragic event from his youthful folly. Will the novel be seen as a work of fiction, or will it expose his secret? (Contemporary Romance from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Restoring Her Faith by Jennifer Slattery — An artist fighting to save her career must find a way to work with the handsome yet stubborn cowboy overseeing a church restoration project–without falling for his southern charm. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Sweet On You by Becky Wade — Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long. As they work together to investigate Zander’s uncle’s mysterious death, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light? (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

General Contemporary:

The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli — A dying request from an elderly neighbor forces a woman in a troubled marriage to find the 300-year-old story of a young colonial woman—one forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden to her by society. (General Contemporary from Hope Creek Publishers)

All My Tears by Kathy McKinsey — Meet five women who struggle with life’s deep sorrows. Beth fights to recover from alcoholism and to mend her relationships with her family. Ann doesn’t believe God will forgive her. Kathleen wrestles with a years-old fear and with saving her marriage. Cassie needs to learn to deal with chronic depression. Martie finds herself the single parent of the eight-year-old niece she barely knows when the child’s parents die in a car wreck.

See how God gives them the gifts of hope, healing, and love. (General Contemporary from Mantle Rock Publishers)

Historical:

The Refuge by Ann H Gabhart — Can Darcie Goodwin find love and a way to keep her baby in a community that doesn’t believe in marriage or individual family units? (Historical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Historical Romance:

The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere — At loose ends in London after a near-tragedy, Cara Bernay finds herself at odds with the Earl of Morestowe after she befriends his brother, a talented but troubled young artist. Soon she finds herself drawn to the earl as she becomes more involved with his family. Like Cara, they are suffering from unresolved mistakes in their past. Can they form an unlikely alliance and find a way to a new beginning? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse — Olivia Brighton finds herself widowed and working her brother’s restaurant in San Francisco during the height of the 1849 Gold Rush. Even though she receives at least twenty marriage proposals a day, she will never marry a gold miner. Her brother’s friend Joseph Sawyer has gotten caught up in local politics and the plight of Chinese in forced labor. The more Joseph gets pulled into investigating crime in the city, the less Olivia sees of the compassionate man. And just when she thinks she could love again, a fire threatens to steal all hope. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley — An escaped victim of sex trafficking must find the courage to report her captors to the authorities—some of whom could be corrupt—when her niece is kidnapped by the ringleader. (Romantic Suspense from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

You Shouldn’t Have by Susan Page Davis — “I SAW MY NEIGHBOR MURDER HIS WIFE!” But the police don’t believe Petra Wilson. There’s no body, no evidence, no murder. But Petra knows what she saw. And now her dangerous neighbor knows it, too. Her sisters introduce her to private investigator Joe Tarleton. Petra tells Joe her story, expecting him to decide there is no case. But the dedicated P.I. accepts her word, and he vows to uncover the truth. Still, he can’t guard Petra twenty-four hours a day. In spite of her precautions, her neighbor makes inroads in her vulnerability. Petra is left open to a killer intent on silencing the only living witness. (Romantic Suspense from Tea Tin Press)

Beauty in Battle by Robin Patchen — Harper doesn’t want to return to Maryland to face the police. The mess she left behind makes her look guilty of the worst, but it’s too late to run again. Red is safe and the authorities are waiting. At least Jack is by her side.

Now that Jack knows the truth, his feelings for Harper are deeper than ever. He’s not about to leave her side, especially knowing a killer is after her. But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s come unhinged. And he may not be the biggest threat lurking. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Speculative:

Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse — Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family’s destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new role as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill. While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself. With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: accept the Dark Lady’s offer or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking. One path offers power, the other freedom. But time is running out, and if she doesn’t choose soon, her decision will be made for her. (Speculative Fantasy from Bethany House [Baker])

Snow Globe Travelers: Samuel’s Legacy by K.A. Cummins — Transported into another world, an Austrian girl must face a genetically-engineered warrior with an army of vicious hybrids. (Hard Science Fiction (for Children), Independently Published)

The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings — A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job. A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister’s house before her niece’s wedding. And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive. When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcases from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave. (Speculative Allegory from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Movie Review: The Pilgrim’s Progress #giveaways

One perk of writing/blogging is that publishers and agencies find me and ask if I’ll take a look/listen/watch at their product and share my thoughts. Over the years I’ve read amazing books, some not-so-amazing. I’ve enjoyed uplifting music, and watched a variety of movies.

This time around, I was able to preview the animated movie coming to theaters across the country for two days only, The Pilgrim’s Progress. Based on the classic by John Bunyon, the movie follows Christian’s journey after he finds a book Faithful leaves behind, in search of the Celestial City.

Pilgrim’s Progress is probably the only allegory I’ve been able to understand and appreciate, so I really looked forward to this movie, and it did not disappoint. I was ready for the quality to be sub-par given it isn’t a Disney/Pixar film. Guess what? The colors were beautiful. The features I saw in background images, on the characters, in the surroundings were top-notch. The imagery matches the quality you would see in any animated movie.

The story also does the book justice. I thought it beautifully depicts the journey we go through as we seek a relationship with Christ. There are those who are excited to join us, only to turn at the first hint of adversity. Our fears overwhelm us. Temptation comes at every turn. The paths that look so pretty and easy are usually full of regret. I can’t say enough about how I was able to reflect on my own faith and how accurate the movie was. It really was moving.

As of this writing, I haven’t seen the rating or age range they are hoping to reach. I will say that I would not recommend this for young children. The evil represented is scary. I tried to think if my first-grader nephew would be able to watch, and I think he could, and I think he’d understand Christian’s journey. There are humorous parts for all ages to giggle at, and we did. But definitely take their sensitivity into mind as there are demons at work and their agenda is very clear.

The Pilgrim’s Progress will be available at theaters nationwide April 18 and 20. I think watching this is a wonderful way to celebrate Easter, and I suggest getting a group together. I think you will leave the theater uplifted, inspired, and hopefully on a journey of your own.

I’d love to help you have an opportunity to celebrate this movie. Leave a comment HERE and if you are a US or Candadian citizen, you will be entered to win a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress illustrated storybook. I’m choosing three winners for this.

Wait, I’m not done! If you live in the US, I’m also choosing three winners to receive two tickets to see The Pilgrim’s Progress. Make sure you leave a valid email in case you are chosen.

That’s six winners! Three will receive the book, three receive two tickets. Wow!

Purchase tickets for The Pilgrim’s Progress

Learn more about group tickets for The Pilgrim’s Progress

I first shared this at Christians Read.

This is a blogger promotion from Lev3L Digital. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated.

The God-Wink by Rose Allen McCauley

I already wrote a blog about
God winks so if you haven’t read it yet, you may want to read that one first at
Inspired Prompt.com on April 23, 2019.  They are having a March Madness drawing the
middle of April.

In case you missed a Monday or Friday in March
on their page, here’s a reminder of the authors who are giving away books and
when their posts first ran so you can go and make a comment if you hurry:

March 4th-Bonita McCoyMarch 8th-Gail JohnsonMarch 11th-Jennifer HallmarkMarch 15th-Harriet E. MichaelMarch 18th-Betty Thomason OwensMarch 22nd-Rose Allen McCauleyMarch 25th-Fay Lamb

The
reason I thought of that post about God-winks is that when I got online this
morning to write my post, Julie Arduini had already posted a review of my book,
so to me that was another God-wink.

A God-wink is something
we could not have orchestrated ourselves but that God works out to encourage
us!

I first heard the term
from Squire Rushnell and his wife on a Christian cruise several years ago! Now
that you have heard the term I hope you will remember and be looking for times
that God encourages you through winking at you! But just like most winks, you
have to be alert or you might miss it!

In fact, this whole book
came about because of a God wink! An article I read in a secular magazine led
to my proposal to Rebecca Germany  at
Barbour and the book was born!

Since Julie already told the blurb for the whole book, here’s the blurb for my story in The Canal Brides of the Erie Canal: As a child, Amanda Mack loved her life in Zoar, Ohio where she was born to Separatists. Now an adult, she starts to chafe at its many restrictions. After meeting riverboat captain Daniel Jeremiah, they both must make decisions about their futures.

Rose is happy for this to be her third collection for Barbour and her seventh published novella. She and her husband celebrated their 50 th anniversary last May with their 3 children, their spouses, and five grandchildren.  Since then they have added a sixth granddaughter with another due this summer, so they are very blessed indeed!

Book Review: The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.  

“ Accomplished Hauck demonstrates genre finesse as she blends inspirational romance with a cinematic style of storytelling , bringing empathic characters to life as they cope with grief in marriage and faithfulness, parenthood and adoption, death and tragedy. Challenging decisions, the blessing of finding love again, and the solace of a beautiful Victorian home all come together in this  spellbinding, lovely novel .” —Booklist

I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I first saw The Memory House. Reading a book with multiple POV (Point of View) and time-travel is risky, and it takes a top-notch author to pull it off. No worries, Rachel Hauck penned a beautiful story about grief and redemption that truly carries out for decades.

Beck is a tough cop who has a lot of burden on her shoulders. She’s pregnant and unmarried, her mom seems to be doing just fine with her second husband and child after losing Beck’s father to 9/11. The attack robbed Beck of her father, and her memories. Bruno is a friend from childhood that she can’t recall, but they have a reunion when a beloved grandmother figure from the past passes away. Ms. Everleigh’s house is Beck’s refuge and a place where Beck and Bruno might discover healing for their past and hope for the future.

I loved reading Ms. Everleigh’s story and how she impacted Beck and Bruno, even to present time. I also loved the careers the two modern characters had. I don’t remember reading about a sports agent before, nor a female cop. It was a great change of pace.

The transition between Everleigh’s younger years and where Beck was in life was seemless. I felt Everleigh’s deep pain. Tough issues are explored, and written well. The only aspect that felt like a little miss for me was the chemistry between Beck and Bruno. It felt a little off-balance, but that could be given Beck’s many issues.

If you’re in the market for a Spring Break read, The Memory House has history, memories, and heart. I definitely recommend it.

There’s a giveaway opportunity! If you’d like to enter for a chance to win The Memory House, CLICK HERE .

PURCHASE THE MEMORY HOUSE

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner. Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie. Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews. A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year. At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically. A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day. She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat. For more information, visit www.rachelhauck.com, Facebook (@rachelhauck), Twitter (@RachelHauck) and Instagram (@rachelhauck).

Re-Set: No Fooling!

I remember years and years ago I wanted to make a big change in my life, but I didn’t want to join the masses and make a resolution January 1. Nope, I went all rebel and decided to start January 10. I kept quiet about what I was doing for the most part, and I had great success in that season.

Fast forward to late February. I wasn’t feeling great, but I was functional. I decided it was time to see the doctor in hopes of getting a good antibiotic and knock what I knew was a sinus infection out of my system. Problem was, it didn’t knock out. The infection decided to invite bronchitis to join her and another illness to join the party and take residence.

I spent most of March sleeping, wanting to sleep, nodding off to sleep when I should not be. I had pain, pressure, swelling. I was hungry, I was really hungry, I couldn’t stand the sight or smell of food. There was back pain, headaches, severe temperature changes, loss of focus and a cliff drop when it came to how I’m used to handling my day. In the end, or what I surely hope is the end, I was on two antibiotics at once, for a total of three, plus an intense steroid regiment. A medicine I count on to balance hormones/menopause/mental health wasn’t used for a week. I’d not gone more than two days in the past because the effects had been so brutal.

But, it’s April. the meds are done and I feel better. Funny thing is, I don’t think back to normal is right, or even back to “my normal” is correct. On the way to church, I had this amazing feeling of God’s presence with me, and I started to get all teary. It’s hard to explain, but I call them downloads. I believe it’s God communicating with me through the comforting voice of the Holy Spirit, but, I can’t tell you that this voice has been audible as you and I would chat. But it’s the real deal to me, and this is what I felt the download was about.

Although God didn’t order the sick time, He allowed it. Not only was infirmity knocked out of me, I’ve lost a part of me. A layer. for those where this vocab makes sense, there was a fast refiner’s fire session where I shed my skin for God to reveal a deeper me in Him. A renewed purpose. A more intimate knowledge of who He is. Oh, it’s an eyelash worth in the universe, but it’s more than what I carried to His feet in January. that moment was so pure and precious to receive that, I would go through that experience again.

But I will be honest. Although bronchitis and sinus infection, etc…don’t sound that awful, I can’t tell you the toll it took. I can take pain. I walked around with ovaries 5x the size of normal for years. I was in labor and thought it was Braxton Hicks. I am not a fragile flower. The pain was challenging, and the mind struggle was dark, lonely, and real. Now that I heard this download, worth it.

2. I also received another download after watching a non-stop action movie where I was cheering and out of my seat. My husband and I love action movies and changed our rec room around a little to allow for a movie area. When the kids are gone we turn up the speakers and find a good action flick. I feel weird because I write romance, and I truly love the feminine heart I know God gave me.But. but.

I love, love, love a great chase scene, a la The Fast and Furious franchise.

I get emotional watching the Marvel movies. The justice. The unity. The utilizing of gifts to make the world a better place. Oh, I get so pumped by superhero movies.

Saturday, Tom introduced me to the most recent XXX Xander Cage movie from 2017. A few weeks ago he showed me the first one, a young person into extreme sports who the NSA recruits to shut down an evil plot. On paper, ridiculous. On the screen, I loved it. I loved the second one with Ice Cube and how everyone worked together. The third? I think bullets rang out for twenty minutes straight. The good guys were outnumbered, outgunned, and with their backs literally up against a wall. As an author, I tried to be one step ahead of the plot, and loved the action and suspense.

When all was said and done, I asked God why these movies have my heart and not the sweet romances>

Because I’m a warrior.

I don’t wear armor and I haven’t been in the military, but that answer from my Heavenly Father didn’t surprise me. He’s transformed me through the years not just to be more like His Son, but also to fight for the Kingdom of God and His people through the power of prayer. I have a feeling this time off was to prepare my heart and mind for what is next.

This much I know.

Today I push re-set.

I’m at or close to the highest weight I’ve known. Menopause has been cruel, and laying around exhausted not making good meals did no favors. I miss salads and am ready to get back to an eating lifestyle that has served me well when I obey. I miss working out. I’m still weak and have lost muscle, so it will be slow. The reset is happening.

There are superficial, cosmetic changes I plan to make. Little things to help me feel my best, so I can do my best.

There’s also the unknown. A lot of my prayer efforts and time are behind-the-scenes. I have a lot of undercover partners who are all hearing similar things. Breakthrough. Change in the atmosphere. Awakening. I feel so sensitive to these things now, and so passionate I need to re-set my prayer life because I am tired of the games. I am tired of the fake. And I’m a bit sassy about it, and that needs reigning in.

So, April. I refuse to be your fool. I know the unexpected could happen and the doctor might make me take more meds. I feel better and I’m believing I’m done with that. I know changes won’t be fast and immediate.

But this newly-minted 49 year old is ready to throw down and live well and free for the Kingdom of God.

Book Review: The Erie Canal Brides Collection

The Erie Canal theme is underused in fiction, and what a shame, because it’s rich in history and story lines. I’m so glad for the Erie Brides Canal Collection because the stories feature settings between Ohio and Upstate New York, the two places I’ve lived.

This novella series features seven stories by seven Christian authors you will want to read more of. The stories are clean, sweet, and full of everything a good romance should: conflict and love. The stories blend well, and each one made me feel like I was transported in time.

If you’re looking for a historical Christian romance, I highly recommend The Erie Canal Brides Collection.

Purchase The Erie Canal Brides Collection here.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.